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Knicks’ Finals miracle: The Villanova trio that changed everything
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- Knicks’ Finals miracle: The Villanova trio that changed everything
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
For the first time since 1999, the Knicks are back in the NBA Finals. They got there with a level of lineup consistency that has been a feature of their entire run, with the Villanova core providing a stability that lasted all the way through to the championship series.
The link between Jalen Brunson , Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart goes beyond their shared time at Villanova. Since April 23, the Knicks have reeled off 11 straight playoff wins, all by double figures. The three former Wildcats have been central to how those victories have come together.
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NBA.com tracks the group at 321 postseason minutes with a plus-10.6 net rating so far this postseason. That gives the rest of the rotation a reliable two-way platform to build around.
Movement and pace have pushed the Knicks' winning run
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Brunson's ability to break down defences in isolation is only one aspect of the Knicks' offence. Since their winning run started, New York has been averaging 17.9 fast-break points per game and generating 72.2 points from assists, while holding a 24.5 net rating.
Bridges and Hart play a big role in making that system work smoothly. One might be cutting, another pushing the ball upcourt, or stepping in to stop a mismatch from developing. When all three are on the court together, they make sure there isn't much wasted motion, and their chemistry helps everyone else read plays faster.
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Across their 11-game streak, the Knicks have posted a plus-23.8 point differential, which stands as the largest in league history over any 11-game stretch, regular season or playoffs. New York has scored at least 108 points in each game during the run while holding opponents to a defensive rating of 102.
Brunson picked up Eastern Conference Finals MVP honours along the way, averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists per game in the sweep of Cleveland .
What awaits the Knicks in the NBA Finals
The Knicks will start Game 1 on the road, regardless of who comes out of the West. The Thunder currently lead the Spurs 3-2 and can wrap up the series in San Antonio .
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If the Spurs manage to force a Game 7 and advance, it would set up a rematch of the 1999 Finals, which they won in five games.
There will be a nine-day break before the Finals begin, which naturally raises some questions about rust. But New York handled an eight-day layoff before sweeping their way through the Eastern Conference Finals, so it's not uncharted territory for them. Now they'll need that same structure to hold up under their biggest spotlight since 1999.
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